Pandemic exposed "undeniable effects of
racism"
The Associated Press
www.asianreporter.com
May 19, 2021
ATLANTA (AP) — The immunologist who leads the COVID-19
response in the United States says that "the undeniable effects
of racism" have led to unacceptable health disparities that
especially hurt African Americans, Hispanics, and Native
Americans during the pandemic.
"COVID-19 has shone a bright light on our own society’s
failings," Dr. Anthony Fauci said during a graduation ceremony
for Emory University.
Speaking by webcast from Washington, Fauci told the graduates
in Atlanta that many members of minority groups work in
essential jobs where they might be exposed to the coronavirus.
He also said they are more likely to become infected if exposed
because of medical conditions such as hypertension, chronic lung
disease, diabetes, or obesity.
"Now, very few of these comorbidities have racial
determinants," Fauci said. "Almost all relate to the social
determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions
that some people of color find themselves in from birth
regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to
healthcare, and the undeniable effects of racism in our
society."
Fauci said correcting societal wrongs will take a commitment
of decades, and he urged the graduates to be part of the
solution.
Fauci said that once society returns to "some form of
normality," people should not forget that infectious disease has
disproportionally hospitalized and killed people of color.
Fauci was also awarded the Emory University president’s
medal. Previous recipients include former President Jimmy
Carter, the Dalai Lama, and the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a
civil-rights icon. In accepting the award, Fauci denounced the
destruction of division.
"Societal divisiveness is counterproductive in a pandemic,"
Fauci said. "We must not be at odds with each other since the
virus is the enemy, not each other."
He praised the graduates for handling the profound disruption
of the pandemic.
"Not since the influenza pandemic of 1918 has humanity faced
a public health crisis of this magnitude," he said. "Each of you
deserves enormous respect for your extraordinary adaptability,
resilience, and dedication to learning, completing your studies,
and graduating despite immense difficulties and uncertainties."
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